PODCAST · religion
The Key
by Sara Evans
How can we think well of God when we have never paused to consider him? For people whose time, finances, and life stage might prevent them from pursuing theological education, Macrina's Key provides the chance to consider all things theological. In 25-30 minutes we’ll cover essential doctrines, ask questions, consider art and beauty, and wrestle with the things of God. Hosted by Dr. Sara Evans, each episode will provide thoughtful material for the new theological adventurer and the most experienced.
Episodes
-
The Little Key: Seeking Jesus Under the Cucumbers
In this episode of the Little Key, I'm joined by my eldest daughter to talk about a verse she's meditating on -- Jeremiah 29:13. How is seeking after Jesus similar to a garden? Join us to find out!
-
31: A Circular Visit to the Trinity
Wondering about the beauty of the world, followed by a winding visit to the Trinity, person of Christ, heresy, and the Holy Spirit. Who do we worship? And what's the nature of salvation?
-
30: Privation and Human Reality
Continuing our exploration of what it means to be human, how do we understand the fall and approach the problem of evil? This episode considers St Augustine's "privation theory" as the entry point to conversations about the fall, evil, and the Goodness of God. Tune in for a birthday surprise too!
-
29: Humanity as Objects
In this episode, we're taking another look at humanity, this time as objects to be known and engaged with. As both Spirit and Body, how should we think about ourselves and others as objects? How might a focus on our physical bodies shape the way we interact with God and other doctrines of the faith?
-
The Little Key: Being Like St. Nicholas
In this episode, we hear from Sara's eldest daughter about how to celebrate St Nicholas -- how can imitating an ancient saint help us be more like Jesus?
-
28: Conversations with My Mad Vicar (or, the most important season)
Advent: John the Baptist calls for repentance and St Peter reminds us God is patient. But waiting is still the hardest thing to do. Join Sara and Eric, her mad [crazy] vicar for a delightful conversation about waiting, community, beauty, CS Lewis, the North of England, and more waiting.
-
27: Mundane Saints
It's All Saints Day! Time to talk about miracles! No, actually, it's time to consider the very down-to-earth, regular old saints in our everyday lives.
-
26: He is The Image
This episode circles back around to anthropology — the study of humanity — and considers the image of God a little bit more. You’ll hear a proposal for a Christological Imago Dei, one that incorporates both who we are now, and who we are growing to be in Christ.
-
25: The Consequences
Looking forward from Adam, what else is there to know about sin? Let's think through the current situation in which we find ourselves. In this episode, we begin by asking some framing questions about God and ourselves, before considering the nature of sin and its effects.
-
24: On the Hook
Today we explore another question related to our humanity: What is Original Sin, and why are we "on the hook" for what Adam and Eve did, so long ago? How does this sin come down to us and what is meant by the term "total depravity"? Are there better words for this concept?
-
23: Painting with God
Part of being human is building culture. But what does it mean for humans to have culture and why is there such diversity? How does multiculturalism pair with the Gospel? Let's think about this together as we consider building human culture like painting with God.
-
23: Painting with God
Part of being human is building culture. But what does it mean for humans to have culture and why is there such diversity? How does multiculturalism pair with the Gospel? Let's think about this together as we consider building human culture like painting with God.
-
22: Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral; What is the Image of God?
Here we begin our discussion on the imago dei or the image of God. What does it mean to be in God's image? Why are there multiple interpretations of this important concept and are they all equal?
-
21: What is a Human?
With the development of AI, debates around gender, scientific materialism, and virtual reality, considering what it means to be human is incredibly challenging and important. This episode just begins the discussion, starting by peeling back the layers to ask: what is a human? And how might…
more -
The Little Key 2: Goats to Jesus
In this second episode of "The Little Key" we trace some of the similarities and differences between Jesus and two goats. The Bible my daughter references can be found here: Biggest Story Bible. We also discuss Lent, Easter, and Jesus' time in the wilderness!
-
20: God and the World
How does God relate to the created universe? How can we know God through the material world?
-
The Little Key 1: Our Favourite Prayer Book
Welcome to our first official episode of The Little Key. On these episodes, I’m excited to welcome my eldest daughter! Children have such good insights into the faith, generous questions and imagination. I love their sweet tenderness and innocence, their willingness to accept mystery and delight…
more -
19: Can We Know Enough?
Paul says "now we know in part, but then we shall know fully." What are the limitations of our knowledge while on this side of the resurrection? How do we avoid making knowledge an idol or turning the faith into a bunch of boxes to tick? While there are core things we must believe, how do we hold...
-
18: Locating the Source
There are many things which vie for our attention and demand to be sources for theology. How do we assess the claims of each, and how should these disparate voices be brought together? This episode considers these questions as we bring together themes from the last several weeks, including the...
-
Ash Wednesday: An Adventure
"There and Back Again, by Bilbo Baggins." What if this was the story of our Christian life? What if Ash Wednesday was an entrance into the ongoing adventure, with which we haven't yet finished?
-
St Valentine and God's Faithfulness (a special episode!)
Friends! I had a lovely conversation with my eldest daughter about St Valentine and we decided to share it with you. There's so much to think about with the celebration of Valentine's Day -- but here is our little contribution as you celebrate the love of Christ and think of how we can bring his...
-
17: Really Knowing: Knowing Well, Knowing Critically
Join us for a rather bumpy look at Critical Realism and a short foray into the writings of Flannery O'Connor as we continue exploring what it means to "know."
-
16: Knowing What We Know
How do we know what we know? What does it mean to know? These questions are wrapped up in a field of philosophy called Epistemology. While the answers might seem obvious, once we get started asking these questions, you may feel a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. How do we know God...
-
15: Keeping First Things First
Christmas may already seem far away in the rearview. But it’s important to keep first things first; so we’re asking in 2023, how shall we train ourselves to see Christ? Plus: Rebranding and New Episode Formats
-
Episode 14: Advent Reflections
Advent is coming to an end, have your traditions pointed you towards Christ? Have you kept him in sight through this season? Join Sara to reflect on how these things bring us home to Christ even while we continue to await his return. Rejoice! Emmanuel is coming!
-
13: Word, Word, and Word - Special Revelation part 2
Jesus, Gospel, and Scripture. There's a triangular or triadic use of "the word" in Scripture. This episode explores how Special Revelation utilises these three "words" and the ways in which they are related.
-
12: Word: God's Particular and Special Revelation
How does God reveal himself to his creation, to his people? By his Word. But does that mean only Scripture? This episode explores Special Revelation -- how God reveals himself so that people can enter into relationship with him. You might find yourself surprised by the many ways in which God…
more -
11: God's Apocalyptic Self-Disclosure
We know about God becuase of what theologians call his self-revelation or self-disclosure. But what does that revelation entail and what shape does it take? Join Sara as we talk about the first form of revelation, its place in our theological system, and the ultimate, albeit limited purpose of...
-
10: Creation to Eschaton -- The Great Accordion
Too often we think about reality as a great battle between good and evil. It shows up in popular texts, world religions, even some streams of Christianity. But the creation narratives show us that evil is not equal to God, he is ulitmately more powerful and triumphant over all things. When we…
more -
09: Over the Waters - God and Creation
Ever get tired of the debates around Genesis 1-2? Have you wondered if there is a different way to look at the creation narratives? Well, look no further. This episode attempts to shift our focus away from contemporary debates over the how and what of creation. Instead, we’ll take a look at what…
more -
08: Can we call God mother? (and other last questions on God's attributes)
As we wrap up our series on God's attributes, Sara first asks what it means for God to be good. From there we dive into truth and faithfulness, followed by intriguing questions around gender and the motherhood of God as expressed in Scripture. Join us as we finish exploring God's moral attributes!
-
07: Holiness, Love, and Personhood: The Moral Attributes
What are the attributes that humans cann emulate -- the communicable or moral attributes? When we say that God is lovinng or holy, what do we mean? In this episode, Sara shifts gears from those attributes which are applicable only to God towards those with which humans may engage and even…
more -
06: The Omni's or What is God Like? Part 2
Happy Easter! In this episode, we'll continue learning about the nature of God; Sara discusses more of God's non-moral attributes or the characteristics which we can't emulate as humans. We'll dive into some of the more well known attributes by looking at the "omni's" such as omniscience,...
-
05: What is God Like? Non-Moral Attributes
From the deep-end of the Trinity to the riches of God's character, we are off and away! This episode considers how we can categorise the attributes of God (his characteristics). We'll hear about communicable/incommunicable categories, feminist concerns, and the historical method of absolute vs...
-
04: Trinitarian Heresies
One of the best ways we learn about something is by discovering what it isn't. In this episode, Sara explains some early Trinitarian heresies in order to help us see who God is not. From there we get into a discussion of why the Trinity matters for the life of an everyday believer and how this...
-
03: What's Up with the Trinity?
Augustine famously said (and I'm paraphrasing): If you deny the Trinity you will lose your soul. If you try and explain it you will lose your mind. The Trinity is obviously important, it's who God is. But it's also complicated, how can three be one God? Well, that's just what we're going to…
more -
On the Trinity and the Ministry of Reconciliation
One of my favourite professors used to say that if our theology doesn't "work at the margins" then it isn't good theology. We have a lot of margins in the world right now, don't we? This week we have woken to difficult, painful news in the world. From Ukraine to estimates on children who've lost...
-
Episode 2: What's the Method in the Madness?
Did you know there are different methods for doing theology, different approaches to the study of God? In this episode, Sara explains biblical, historical, and systematic approaches to doing theology. We'll also touch on some more recent developments in theology and consider how different sources...
-
Meet the Host: an introduction to Sara Evans
A wee introduction to Sara Evans, the host at Macrina's Key. Hear a little bit of her background and some embarrassing moments -- like the time she mispronounced lasagna while in Rome.
-
Welcome - Who was Macrina and What’s with the Key?
Who was Macrina the Younger and why is she the inspiration behind this podcast? What’s the key for theology and finding God in every season? In this episode, we'll answer some basic questions about the podcast. What's the goal, why consider a woman largely hidden in the background of theological...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
How can we think well of God when we have never paused to consider him? For people whose time, finances, and life stage might prevent them from pursuing theological education, Macrina's Key provides the chance to consider all things theological. In 25-30 minutes we’ll cover essential doctrines, ask questions, consider art and beauty, and wrestle with the things of God. Hosted by Dr. Sara Evans, each episode will provide thoughtful material for the new theological adventurer and the most experienced.
HOSTED BY
Sara Evans
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Key have?
The Key currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Key about?
How can we think well of God when we have never paused to consider him? For people whose time, finances, and life stage might prevent them from pursuing theological education, Macrina's Key provides the chance to consider all things theological. In 25-30 minutes we’ll cover essential doctrines, ask...
How often does The Key release new episodes?
The Key has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Key?
You can listen to The Key on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Key?
The Key is created and hosted by Sara Evans.
URL copied to clipboard!